Input to an electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electronic device, comprising a processing system; a sensor for detecting vibrations caused by a user striking the device and outputting a signal indicative of a parameter of those vibrations; wherein the processing system is configured to analyse the signal output from the sensor and determine a parameter related to the location of the strike. Other methods and systems for making inputs to electronic devices are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of PCT/GB2009/000224, filedJan. 26, 2009, which claims priority to GB Patent Application No.0801396.3, filed Jan. 25, 2008, which are incorporated by reference forany purpose.

The present invention relates to electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic apparatus, such as handheld electronic devices can comprise adisplay screen, a keypad for control and data entry purposes and one ormore pointing devices.

Conventionally the user of handheld electronic devices relies on the useof pointing devices to interact more effectively, within the limitationof the relatively small display screen available, with the host ofapplications available such as, to mention a few, web browsing,emailing, SMS, word processing, spreadsheet and games.

Pointing devices enable the user to interact with the applicationrunning on the handheld electronic device by moving the cursor withinthe display area in a desired position for instance to select commands,follow links, drag shapes and objects or input text.

There are a variety of pointing devices such as for instance touchscreens which detect the position of a stylus or a finger on the displayarea, joy sticks, arrow buttons, and buttons with a four way swivelwhich depending on the tilt move the cursor on the screen along fourorthogonal directions, track balls or jog dials.

The touch screen, amongst the above mentioned pointing devices, providesthe handheld device user with the most intuitive and efficientinterface. However due to comparatively higher costs compared to otherpointing devices, touch screens tend to be incorporated only in mediumto high end specification products.

A first need requiring addressing is therefore the provision of a morecost effective touch screen solution which may find particularapplication in entry level to medium specification products.

Within each application there are some commands which are used mostoften than others such as for instance the ENTER function, scrollingdown or scrolling up, scrolling left or scrolling right, zooming in orzooming out, moving back or moving forward web pages, moving page up ormoving page down, undo and redo command and many others.

The speed of selection of these most common commands depends on the typeof pointing device being used and the skill of the user.

When using a computer keyboard the most common commands can be accessedgenerally quicker by using either keyboard keys or keyboard short cutsconsisting of a simultaneous press of 2 or 3 keys, rather than by usingthe pointing device; especially if the command is nested within one ortwo levels of, submenus.

For instance, in Windows applications, page up within a document may beaccessed using the “Page up” key on the keyboard or undo the latestcommand may be accessed by pressing simultaneously the “CTRL” and “Z”keys.

On a small keypad of an electronic handheld device some keys such as the“Page up” and “Page down” keys may not be not provided due to lack ofspace and the simultaneous pressing of 2 or 3 keys is a cumbersomeoperation.

A second need requiring addressing is therefore the provision of betterways of quickly selecting or implementing commands similar to thatprovided by computer keyboards.

The most common arrangement for a conventional handheld electronicdevice such as a mobile phone is the provision of the display screenabove the keypad.

The limitation of this design is that the size of both the displayscreen and the keypad is reduced as they are sharing the same surfacearea on the device.

A first solution to this problem is to adopt a configuration similar toa computer laptop by providing the display screen on one half of thedevice, the keypad on the other half of the device and a hingedmechanism between the two halves, with the axis of the hinge parallel toone of the sides of the screen, thus enabling to achieve within the samefootprint of a conventional phone a considerable increase of the size ofboth the display screen and the keypad.

With this configuration, sometimes referred to as flip configuration,when the device is not in use, the flip is folded covering the displayscreen and when in use the flip can be opened and rotated usually up to180 degree around the hinge presenting the display screen and the keypadto the user.

The added benefit of this configuration is that the display screen isprotected when the device is not in use as the flip is folded over.

The drawback of this configuration is that for certain uses of thedevice, such as for example watching a video stream, the user does notneed the keypad once the selection of the media to be played has beenmade and therefore the half of the phone housing the keypad becomestemporarily a hindrance.

A second to the problem in conventional handheld electronic devices ofthe display screen and keypad sharing the same area is to conceal thekeypad underneath the display screen when not needed and to present thekeypad to the user when needed by providing either a sliding mechanismbetween screen and keypad halves or a rotating mechanism between the twowith the rotation axis perpendicular to the screen.

A drawback of this second configuration is that the display screen isalways exposed to the risk of damage from scratches and abrasion.

A third need requiring addressing is therefore the provision of asolution addressing the limitations of both the flip designconfiguration and the slide configuration in handheld electronic devicesproviding display screen on one half of the device and the keypad on theother half.

Design constraints, such as the small size of handheld devices cannecessitate the inclusion of a keypad with fewer keys than aconventional QWERTY keyboard. The provision of all the letters of thealphabet can be achieved by using some or all of the keys of the keypadto select more than one letter of the alphabet.

The composition of text messages on mobile telephones highlights theshortcomings in the use of a keypad with a limited number of keys. Themobile telephone user composes a text message by entering the componentletters of the alphabet on a keypad. Typically, the keypad has a limitednumber of keys, e.g. twelve to fifteen, since the keypad is primarilyprovided for the entry of telephone numbers. Accordingly, there can befewer keys available on the keypad than letters of the alphabet.

A known solution to this problem is the use of each key to enter one oftwo or more different letters of the alphabet. For example, the number 9key might be associated with the characters ‘w’, ‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’.Normally, the number of consecutive key-presses within a set timeinterval determines which of the available characters is selected. Forexample, one key press selects ‘w’ and four key presses selects ‘z’.This mode of operation is often termed a multi-tapping input mode.

However, the multi-tapping input mode has drawbacks. Clearly, theapproach can require a significant number of key-presses to composeanything other than the shortest of text messages. For example, entry ofthe word “hello” can require the user to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666, thusinvolving eleven key presses instead of six. Under certaincircumstances, e.g. prolonged use, a user can develop repetitive straininjury (RSI).

A reduction of the number of key-presses can be achieved by thearrangement disclosed in WO 02/27432A2. According to WO 02/27432A2, thekeypad comprises a limited set of letter entry keys and each letterentry key can be used to enter one of several letters of the alphabet.An auxiliary key is provided on the keypad for selecting which one ofthe letters is to be entered upon operation of one of the letter entrykeys.

The present applicant has realized that the arrangement of WO 02/27432A2can have drawbacks. Both the auxiliary key and the letter entry keys ofWO 02/27432A2 are of a pushbutton type and thus can predispose the userto RSI. In addition, the arrangement of WO 02/27432A2 can beinconvenient to use, in that operation of the auxiliary key can beincompatible with one-handed operation and in certain circumstances canbe difficult even with two-handed operation.

A fourth and last need requiring addressing is therefore the provisionto the user of handheld electronic devices of ways of reducing theamount of multi-tapping required when inputting text.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Modern electronic handheld devices such as mobile phones handsets mayfeature a high degree of processing power and memory resources which arealready utilized in many models to improve the man-machine-interface byenabling the user for instance to impart commands to the handset withthe voice through the already present input acoustic sensor, themicrophone.

An underlying principle of this invention is the exploitation ofexisting resources within the handset such as processing power, memoryand the microphone to provide the user with the additional capability ofentering characters or imparting commands by tapping, striking, slidingand other physical actions on areas of the handset such as for instancethe casework, display screen and keypad with no or minimal addition ofparts and therefore costs to the handset.

For instance the addition of a fairly inexpensive vibration sensor mightdetect other features outside the acoustic frequency spectrum derivingfrom the user tapping, striking, sliding and other physical actions onthe handset, such features enhancing the reliability of theacoustic/vibration user interface.

Accordingly, from a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided an electronic apparatus comprising: a keypad comprising aplurality of input keys, at least one of which is operable by a user toenter one of two or more different characters, and a user controllableselector for selecting which one of the two or more different charactersis to be entered before, during or after the key is operated by theuser, characterized in that the selector is provided separately from thekeypad.

Providing the selector separately from the keypad can make for goodergonomic design. For example, the selector might be located foroperation with the user's thumb and the input keys located separatelyfrom the selector for operation with the user's fingers.

The selector may be liable to operation by one physical action and theinput keys liable to operation by another, dissimilar physical action.

More specifically, the selector may comprise an actuator of one kind andthe input keys comprise an actuator of another different kind, therebymaking the selector and input keys liable to operation by dissimilarphysical actions. For example, one actuator might comprise anelectromechanical device, such as a pushbutton switch and the otheractuator comprise a purely electronic device, such as a touch screenswitch element.

Alternatively or in addition, the selector may have a configuration ofone kind and the input keys have a configuration of another differentkind, thereby making the selector and input keys liable to operation bydissimilar physical actions. For example, one device might be apushbutton switch and the other a rotary switch. However, whatever thedifference between the input keys and selector the difference should besuch that the input keys and selector can be operated by dissimilarphysical actions.

Operation of the input key and the selector by dissimilar physicalactions can lessen the damage sustained by the user's fingers and hands,thereby reducing the likelihood of RSI. For example, where the keypad isof a type comprising pushbuttons, the selector might be a rotatableknob. The dissimilar physical actions involved in operating the inputkeys and the rotatable knob can reduce the likelihood of repetitivestrain in comparison with, for example, the arrangement of WO02/27432A2, which requires the use of a pressing action to operate boththe letter entry keys and the auxiliary key. Furthermore, operation bymeans of dissimilar physical actions according to the present inventioncan make for greater ease of use.

The selector and input keys may be operable by dissimilar physicalactions selected from the group consisting of pressing, tapping,touching, rotating, tilting, twisting, sliding and uttering.

In addition, the selector may be of a non-pushbutton type.

Alternatively or in addition, the selector may be operable to cyclethrough the two or more different characters. For example, where the twoor more different characters are ‘x’, ‘y’^(ar)>d ‘z\ a first operationof the selector changes the selected character from ‘x’ to ‘y’, a secondoperation of the selector changes the selected character from ‘y’ to ‘z’and a second operation of the selector changes the selected characterfrom ‘z’ back to ‘x’.

The selector may comprise a component ordinarily present on theelectronic apparatus and a detector for detecting a user selection madeby movement of the component. For example, if the electronic apparatusis a mobile telephone the component might be one or more of a microphonestalk, a pivotable keypad cover or an aerial.

Alternatively or in addition, the selector may be operable to make aselection by being moveable to one of two or more positionscorresponding to the two or more different characters. For example, thesensor might be a switch.

Alternatively or in addition, the selector may be operable by non-manualmeans, i.e. by means other than the hands of a user. For example, theselector may comprise a microphone that is responsive to a user's voice.According to this example, the selection of one of the two or moredifferent characters can be made in response to an utterance.

Alternatively or in addition, the selector may comprise a sensor, whichis responsive to a physical action of a user to select one of the two ormore different characters. In one form, the sensor may be responsive tothe orientation of the electronic apparatus, e.g. a tilt sensor. Inanother form, the sensor may be responsive to a striking by the user ofdifferent parts of the electronic apparatus. For example, the sensormight be a vibration sensor and the striking of the different parts ofthe electronic apparatus might set up vibrations of differentfrequencies, each of which is operative to select one of the two or moredifferent characters. The vibration sensor may be a discrete component,or another component, for example, the microphone or speaker, could beused to provide that functionality.

The two or more different characters may comprise characters of awriting system, e.g. letters of a Latin-based alphabet or ideographssuch as Chinese symbols. For example, where the different letters are‘w’, ‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’, the selector can be used to select the ‘z’character. Thus, according to this example, a user has merely to use theselector and perform a single operation of the key to enter the ‘z’character.

In addition, the keypad may comprise fewer input keys than there arecharacters in the writing system. For example, the keypad might be of akind suitable for the input of numeric data and thus have a fewer keys,e.g. 12 to 15, than there are letters of a western alphabet, e.g. akeypad meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 9995-8 1994.

Alternatively or in addition, the two or more different characters maycomprise control characters. The control characters might be for causingthe electronic apparatus to carry out different functions. For example,if the electronic apparatus is a television remote control the differentcontrol characters might be for selecting one of a plurality oftelevision channels.

The electronic apparatus may comprise a hand-held device, e.g. a mobiletelephone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), pager, video camera,camera, Games console, remote control, or satellite navigation receiver.

In an application of the present invention, the electronic apparatus maybe operable by a user to enter text. For example, the electronicapparatus might be a mobile telephone and the keypad and selectoroperable by a user to compose a text message.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the selector may beconfigured to vibrate in a predetermined manner upon being struck by auser and may further comprise a sensor operative to produce a signal independence on the vibration of the selector. The sensor may bespecifically for this purpose, or a sensor provided primarily for adifferent purpose could be utilised. The selector may be a specificelement of the device, or the entire, or part, of the device may beconfigured as the selector. The striking could therefore be performed inany defined area of the device.

A user can make a selection by striking, e.g. tapping, the selector. Thetapping of the selector can induce a vibration, which causes the sensorto produce a signal that is used to make the selection.

The selector may be operable to select one of two or more differentcharacters by striking the selector in one of two or more differentways. For example, a first part of the selector might be tapped toinduce a vibration with a first characteristic and a second part mightbe tapped to induce a vibration with a second characteristic. Accordingto this example, the first and second characteristics may selectrespectively the letters ‘a’ and ‘b’.

The vibration of the selector can cause the emission of a tone having acharacteristic corresponding to the manner of vibration. Thus, theselector may be operative to emit a tone and the sensor may be anacoustic sensor operative to detect the emitted tone. For example, theacoustic sensor might be a microphone.

The characteristic of the tone may be one or more of quality, pitch orvolume.

Alternatively or in addition, the sensor may be a vibration sensor whichis operative to detect the vibration of the selector.

The selector may comprise a panel element of a predetermined thickness,shape, size or material, the manner of vibration of the selector beingdependent on the predetermined thickness, shape, size or material.

In addition, the selector may comprise a plurality of panel elements,each of which is of a different thickness, shape, size or material,whereby each panel element is operative to vibrate in a different mannercorresponding to a plurality of selection functions.

More specifically, the panel element may be comprised of one or more ofa single material, a composite or a sandwich.

Alternatively or in addition, to reduce the power consumption related toboth the acoustic sensor tone detection and the associated processorsignal recognition, the handheld electronic apparatus might be comprisedof a user controllable switch capable of switching on and off the sensorand associated signal recognition depending on whether the selector isused or not; and of an automatic switch-off facility capable ofswitching the sensor off following a predetermined period of inactivityof the selector.

Alternatively or in addition the handheld electronic apparatus might becomprised of an acoustic sensor capable of being switched on as a resultof the vibration sensor producing a signal following the detection ofthe vibration of the selector and of an automatic switch-off facilitycapable of switching off both the acoustic sensor tone detection and theassociated signal processing following a predetermined period ofinactivity of either the vibration sensor or the acoustic sensor.

From a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a methodof selecting a character for entry into an electronic apparatus,comprising: providing an electronic apparatus comprising a keypad, whichcomprises a plurality of input keys, and a user controllable selector,operating one of the input keys to enter one of two or more differentcharacters, and selecting by means of the selector before, during orafter the step of operating one of the input keys which one of the twoor more different characters is to be entered, characterized byproviding the selector separately from the keypad.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the second aspectof the invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

The applicant has realized that the embodiment described above, i.e.configuring the selector to vibrate when struck by a user, can havewider application.

Therefore according to a third aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a keypad for electronic apparatus, comprising: at least oneinput key operable by a user to enter a character, characterized in thatthe input key is configured to vibrate when struck by a user, andfurther comprising a sensor operative to produce a signal, in dependenceon vibration of the input key.

The input key may be configured to vibrate in a predetermined manner.Thus, a user can enter a character, such as the letter ‘a’ by striking,e.g. tapping, the input key. The tapping of the key can induce avibration, which causes the sensor to produce a signal that isrepresentative of the character.

The input key may be configurable by the user during an initializationprocedure. Alternatively or in addition, the input key may beconfigurable during manufacture. This feature can help prevent anotherparty from eavesdropping on the user of the invention by allowing theuser or manufacturer to change the correspondence between the emittedtones and the characters.

The input key may be operable to enter one of two or more differentcharacters by striking the key in one of two or more different ways. Forexample, a first part of the key might be tapped to induce a vibrationwith a first characteristic and a second part might be struck toinitiate a vibration with a second characteristic. According to thisexample, the first and second characteristics may represent respectivelythe letters ‘a’ and ‘b’.

Alternatively or in addition, the keypad may comprise a plurality ofinput keys each of which is configured to vibrate in a predetermined anddifferent manner to enable different characters to be entered by a user.For example, a first input key might vibrate at a first frequency, whichcorresponds to the letter ‘a’ and a second input key might vibrate at asecond frequency corresponding to the letter ‘b’.

The input key may comprise a panel element of a predetermined thickness,shape, size or material, the manner of vibration of the key beingdependent on the predetermined thickness, shape, size or material.

In addition, the keypad may comprise a plurality of panel elements, eachof which is of a different thickness shape, size or material, wherebyeach panel element is operative to vibrate in a different mannercorresponding to a different character.

More specifically, the panel elements may be integrally formed in onepanel.

In addition, a panel element may be comprised of one or more of a singlematerial, a composite or a sandwich.

The keypad may comprise at least two input keys each of which isoperable by a user to enter a different character, at least two sensors,which are spaced apart from each other, and a processor; and theprocessor may be operative to determine which of the input keys has beenstruck based on the times-of-flight of the vibrations between the struckkey and the two sensors.

Thus, when a user strikes one of the input keys, e.g. the key thatenters the character ‘a’, the vibrations emanating from the key can bedetected by each of the sensors. Each sensor can produce an outputsignal and the output signals can be used by the processor to determinethat the ‘a’ key has been struck based on the time taken for thevibrations to reach each sensor.

More specifically, the processor may be operative to determinedifferences in the times-of-flight of the vibrations between the struckkey and the two or more sensors, the differences in times-of-flightbeing indicative of the struck key. For example, when the vibrationsreach a first sensor, the first sensor's output signal might be used bythe processor to activate a timer. When the vibration reaches a secondsensor, its output signal can be used to stop the timer, to therebyprovide a measure of the time difference. It is to be appreciated thatthis approach can be applied to arrangements comprising more than twosensors.

In addition, the keypad may comprise a plurality of input keys and atleast three sensors, two of the input keys being substantiallyequidistant from two of the sensors, and in which the three sensors arespaced apart from and out of line with each other, whereby the processormay be operative to determine which of the plurality of input keys hasbeen struck based on the times-of-flight of vibrations between thestruck key and each of the three sensors.

According to such an arrangement, the processor can be provided withsufficient time-of-flight information to discriminate between theequidistant keys. For example, where the keypad is rectangular inoutline three sensors might be located towards each of three corners ofthe keypad.

Alternatively or in addition, the processor may be a microprocessor.

The vibration of the input key can cause the emission of an acousticoutput having a characteristic corresponding to the manner of vibration.Thus, the input key may be operative to emit a tone and the sensor maybe an acoustic sensor operative to detect the emitted tone. For example,the acoustic sensor might be a microphone.

In the embodiment described hereinabove in which the input key isconfigured to vibrate in a predetermined manner, a predeterminedcharacteristic of the tone may be one or more of quality, pitch orvolume.

Alternatively or in addition, the sensor may comprise a vibration sensorwhich is operative to detect the vibration of the input key.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided electronic apparatus comprising a keypad according to the thirdaspect of the invention.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a hand-held device comprising a keypad according to the thirdaspect of the invention.

In addition, the handheld device may comprise one or more of a mobiletelephone, PDA, pager, video camera, camera, Games console, remotecontrol and satellite navigation receiver.

It is to be appreciated that the third aspect of the invention mayinclude any one or more of the features described above with referenceto the first aspect of the invention and vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of entering a character or selecting a command, comprising:providing a keypad for electronic apparatus, with at least one input keyoperable by a user to enter a character, characterized by configuringthe input key to vibrate when struck by a user, and by providing asensor operative to produce a signal, which is representative of thecharacter, in dependence on the vibration of the input key.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the fourth aspectof the invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof entering a character or selecting a command, comprising: providing anelectronic apparatus, with at least one input key or input area operableby a user to enter a command, characterized by configuring the input keyor area to vibrate when struck by a user, and by providing a sensoroperative to produce a signal, which is representative of the command,in dependence on the vibration of the input key or area. The input keyor input area may vibrate according to the general design of the device,or the key or area may be designed to vibrate in a predetermined manner.The sensor may produce the representative signal directly, or it mayproduce a signal which indicates a characteristic of the signal foranalysis by another component. For example, the sensor may detect thefrequency of vibration, which frequency is utilized by another componentto identify the input key or area.

Alternatively or in addition the vibration of the input key or area cancause the emission of a tone having a characteristic corresponding tothe manner of vibration. Thus, the input key or area may be operative toemit a tone and the sensor may be an acoustic sensor operative to detectthe emitted tone. For example, the acoustic sensor might be amicrophone.

The characteristic of the tone may be one or more of quality, pitch orvolume.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof selecting an input key or area, comprising: providing a electronicapparatus, with at least one input key or input area operable by a userto enter a character or a command, characterized by configuring theinput key or area to both vibrate and emit a tone when struck by a user,and by providing a vibration sensor operative to produce a signal inresponse to the vibration detected which is operative to switch on anacoustic sensor operative to detect the emitted tone. For example, theacoustic sensor might be a microphone.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the fifth aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided aelectronic, apparatus comprising a keypad connected to the main bodywith one hinge mechanism connected in turn to a second hinge mechanismthus allowing the keypad to be positioned either over one face of themain body housing the display screen or over the opposite face.

Alternative or in addition the keypad may be provided with a transparentarea enabling the user to see all or part of the display screen when thekeypad is position over the display screen itself.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the seventh aspectof the invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the other aspects of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided amobile phone handset comprising:

one or more input keys or areas located on the display screen, theedges, the keypad, the keypad buttons and or other surfaces of theapparatus, operable by a user to enter a character or command;

each input area producing an unique acoustic signature when struck bythe user, due to either a purposefully designed asymmetric internallayout of the handset internal components such as PCB connectors andothers, or to variation in design features such the thickness, material,shape and other mechanical properties of the various input areas;

one or more acoustic sensors within the casework picking up the uniqueacoustic signature of the input area struck by the user;

a GSM baseband chipset digitizing the signal and feeding through theaudio processing circuits residing on the Mixed signal processor,Physical processor, and Applications Framework;

the audio processing including but not limited to sampling, noisecancellation, echo cancellation, equalization and filtering to extract>a“clean signal” for the recognition phase;

the apportion of the clean signal to a specific area of the caseworktaking place by using as an example two signal processing methodologiesin combination such as “Signal model based methods” and “Featureanalysis”;

the simplest “Model-based signal classification methods” expressing thecharacteristics of the clean signal as a stochastic process model havingdifferent parameters for different tapping positions and differentstyles of tapping, where the model is based on templates learned fromtraining data from the handset in question and the classification of theclean signal takes place according to which, if any, of the templates isa closest match using basic multi-class matched filtering technology;

more sophisticated “Model-based signal classification methods”expressing the characteristics of the clean signal as a stochasticprocess deriving from standard autoregressive model as used in linearpredictive coding (LPC) of speech, or from ARMA models, or fromnonlinear time series models if necessary with careful consideration forthe driving excitation noise to the models, where the model is based ontemplates learned from training data from the handset in question andthe classification of the clean signal takes place according to which,if any, of the templates is a closest match using techniques such asmaximum likelihood or Bayesian detection;

the “Feature Analysis” providing compensation for different strikingimplements such as finger, pen, stylus and others or environmentalfactors such as temperature, humidity and others or drift over time byfirst processing the clean signal using “Fourier transforms”, “linearpredictive coding (LPC)” or other feature extraction techniques and thenattempting to classify the features using classifiers such as Bayesianclassification, neural networks or support vector machines rather thantrying to find an exact or near-exact match between the clean signal andpreviously stored templates;

the unique ‘code’ generated within the Applications Frameworkcorresponding to the input area struck being interpreted by the UserInterface as it would a keypress from a traditional keypad or aselection from a touch screen;

color coded input areas being provided on the casework or the keypadwhich enable the quick selection of items such as web page hyperlinksdisplayed on the screen by the handset user interface with a set ofmatching colors to the ones used on the casework or keypad;

the user being able to select areas or implement commands on the displayscreen by striking two or more input areas at the same time, forinstance zooming in by striking at the same time with the thumb and theindex finger the opposite corner of a particular area of the displayscreen;

the function of the input area being either marked on the casework nextto the input area or on the input area itself, or displayed on the edgeof the screen in the proximity of the input area, or beneath the inputarea in the case of the input area being located in the screen area, ordisplayed in any area of the screen with a leader leading to the inputarea, or shown on a customization window for the user to customize andremember;

the user being able to manually calibrate or to initiate asemi-automatic calibration procedure of the input areas in case ofreduction of the reliability of the recognition process.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the eighth aspectof the invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the other aspects of the invention. Furthermore,the method and apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the inventionmay not include all of the features identified in the above description,but may include only a subset of those features while providing thegeneral function described in relation to the eighth aspect of theinvention.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda handheld device having means for detecting continuous finger, stylusor other implement sliding movement gestures along a predetermineddirection, comprising:

a strip with three or more contour features (protuberances, depressionsor surface textures) each with similar acoustic properties and placedalong the strip at a gradually varying spacing so that the sliding ofthe finger, stylus or other implement in one direction produces asuccession of similar signals (for example tones or vibrations) at anincreasing frequency and the sliding in the opposite direction producesa succession of similar signals at a decreasing frequency, such anincrease or decrease of frequency being a measure of whether the user issliding the finger, stylus or other implement in one direction or theopposite one;

alternatively or additionally the strip having two or more contourfeatures (protuberances or depressions) placed along the strip, eachfeature with different acoustic properties so that the sliding of thefinger, stylus or other implement in one direction produces a successionof different signals (for example tones or vibrations) according to theplacing of the contour features and, the sliding in the oppositedirection produces a succession of different signals according to theplacing of the contour features in reverse order, the order or reverseorder of different signals being a measure of whether the user issliding the finger, stylus or other implement in one direction or theopposite one;

alternatively the strip having regular contour features or surfacetextures which are rougher when the sliding of the finger, stylus orother implement takes place in one direction and comparatively smootherwhen the sliding takes place in the opposite direction the resulting twodifferent signals (for example tones or vibrations) produced being ameasure of the direction of sliding the finger, stylus or otherimplement along the strip;

the increase or decrease of the frequency of similar signals beingdetected by a sensor (for example an acoustic sensor) producing anoutput signal which in turn is used by the processor to implement eithera command or the opposite one such as for instance scroll left or scrollright, scroll up or scroll down, zoom in or zoom out, volume up orvolume down and others;

both the function of the strip and the association of one command withone direction and the opposite command with the opposite direction beingeither factory set or customizable by the user depending on theapplication running on the device;

the function of the strip being either marked on the casework next tothe strip or displayed on the screen in the vicinity of the strip itselfas a function or as a cursor or both;

within the same application running on the device the strip havingmultiple functions togglable by the user;

strip being either integral part of the casework or a user replaceableinsert.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the tenth aspect ofthe invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the other aspects of the invention. Furthermore,the method or apparatus of the tenth aspect may not include all of thefeatures described with reference to that aspect, but may include onlysubset while still providing the general function of that aspect.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a handheld device having means for detecting continuous finger,stylus or other implement sliding movement gestures along severaldirections, comprising:

a pad with a matrix of at least three by three contour features(protuberances or depressions) each with similar acoustic properties andplaced on the pad at a gradually varying spacing in two preferablyorthogonal directions so that the sliding of the finger, stylus or otherimplement in any direction produces a succession of similar signals (forexample vibrations or tones) at a specific varying frequency dependenton that direction; the succession of similar signals at a specificvarying frequency being detected by an acoustic sensor producing anoutput signal which in turn is used by the processor either to implementa movement of the pointer or to pan the screen content along thatdirection. The succession of signals may be unique to a given direction;the pad being either integral part of the casework or a discretecomponent. For example the pad may be a user attachable pad, which canbe attached and replaced by the user.

It is to be appreciated that the method according to the eleventh aspectof the invention may include any one or more of the features describedabove with reference to the other aspects of the invention. Furthermore,the method or apparatus of the eleventh aspect may not include all ofthe features described with reference to that aspect, but may includeonly subset while still providing the general function of that aspect.

The methods described herein may be performed by firmware or software inmachine readable form on a storage medium. The software can be suitablefor execution on a parallel processor or a serial processor such thatthe method steps may be carried out in any suitable order, orsimultaneously.

This acknowledges that firmware and software can be valuable, separatelytradable commodities. It is intended to encompass software, which runson or controls “dumb” or standard hardware, to carry out the desiredfunctions. It is also intended to encompass software which “describes”or defines the configuration of hardware, such as HDL (hardwaredescription language) software, as is used for designing silicon chips,or for configuring universal programmable chips, to carry out desiredfunctions.

The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would beapparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of theaspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile telephone;

FIGS. 2 to 15 show alternative embodiments of the selector and/or inputkeys of a mobile telephone;

FIG. 16 is a method of selecting a character for entry into a mobiletelephone according; and

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b shows an embodiment of a handheld device; and

FIGS. 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d show an embodiment of a handheld device;and

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b shows an embodiment of a handheld device;

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a handheld device; and

FIG. 21 is a 3D view showing a handheld device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a mobile telephone 10 comprising a keypad12, input keys 14, which are of a kind other than pushbuttons, e.g.discrete areas on a touch screen, and a pushbutton 16 (which constitutesa selector). One or more 18 of the input keys is operable by a user toenter one of two or more different letters of an alphabet, e.g. ‘w’,‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’.

FIGS. 2 to 14 show alternative embodiments of the keypad 12 and selector16 of FIG. 1. The embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 14 have the same componentsas the mobile telephone of FIG. 1, except where otherwise stated.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 2 has a twistable microphone 16(constituting a selector), which twists in the manner indicated by thearrows.

FIG. 3 shows a mobile telephone in profile. The mobile telephone of FIG.3 has a microphone 16 (constituting a selector), which pivots in themanner indicated by the arrows. In addition, the microphone comprises adetector 20 for detecting a selection made in accordance with theposition of the microphone. The keypad 12 has input keys 14 in the formof pushbuttons.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 4 has a microphone 16 (constituting aselector), which can be moved in the direction shown by the arrows tomake a selection. In addition, a detector (not shown) detects aselection made in accordance with the position of the microphone.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 5 has a rotatable button 16 (constituting aselector), which can be rotated in the direction shown by the arrows tomake a selection. The input keys 14 of the keypad are pushbuttons.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 6 has a pivotable keypad cover 16(constituting a selector), which can be pivoted in the manner indicatedby the arrows to make a selection. In addition, a detector (not shown)detects a selection made in accordance with the position of the keypadcover. The input keys 14 of the keypad are pushbuttons.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 7 has a twistable keypad cover 16(constituting a selector), which can be twisted in the manner indicatedby the arrows to make a selection. In addition, a detector (not shown)detects a selection made in accordance with the position of the keypadcover.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 8 has a slider arrangement 16 or arotatable wheel 17 (each of which individually or in combinationconstitutes a selector), each of which can be moved in the mannerindicated by the arrows to make a selection.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 9 has a microphone 16, which is ordinarilypresent on the mobile telephone, and which constitutes a selector. Themicrophone is responsive to different sounds produced by a user tappingon different parts of the mobile phone. One of the two or more differentcharacters is selected in accordance with the different sounds sensed bythe microphone.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 10 has a microphone (not shown), which isordinarily present on the mobile telephone, and which constitutes partof a selector. An input pad 16 constitutes the remaining part of theselector and is configured to have a plurality of areas each of whichproduces a different sound in response to being tapped by a user. Theselection of one of two or more different characters is made inaccordance with the sound produced by the input pad and sensed by themicrophone.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 11 has a pivotable aerial 16 (constitutinga selector), which can be pivoted as indicated by the arrows to make aselection. In addition, a detector (not shown) detects a selection madein accordance with the position of the aerial.

FIG. 12 shows a mobile telephone in profile. The mobile telephone ofFIG. 12 has a pivotable aerial 16 (constituting a selector), whichpivots in the manner indicated by the arrows, i.e. in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to that of FIG. 11. In addition, a detector(not shown) detects a selection made in accordance with the position ofthe aerial. The input keys 14 of the keypad are pushbuttons.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 13 has a rotatable aerial 16 (constitutinga selector), which can be rotated as indicated by the arrows to make aselection. In addition, a detector (not shown) detects a selection madein accordance with the position of the aerial.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 14 has a tilt sensor 16 (constituting aselector), which is responsive to the orientation of the mobiletelephone to thereby make a selection.

In the mobile telephone of FIG. 15, the selector is constituted by threepanels 22 and a microphone 24. A user makes a selection by tapping oneof the three panels. Tapping a panel causes it to vibrate in apredetermined manner, which in turn causes the emission of acharacteristic tone. The tone is sensed by the microphone 24, whichproduces an electrical signal that effects the selection of a character.

According to a mode of operation and with reference to both FIGS. 1 and16 (and also to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 15), a mobiletelephone user can compose a text message comprising different lettersof the alphabet as described hereinafter. As can be seen from the mobiletelephone 10 shown in FIG. 1, the number of keys provided on the keypad12 is less than the number of letters in the alphabet. Consequently atleast one key on the keypad is configured for entry of one of two ormore different letters of the alphabet, e.g. one of ‘w’, ‘x’, ‘y’ and‘z’. According to the mode of operation 50, a mobile telephonecomprising a keypad and a pushbutton (constituting a selector) isprovided 52, 54. The user selects by means of the pushbutton 16, 58 oneof the two or more different letters, i.e. one of ‘w’, ‘x’, y and ‘z’.After, during or before making the selection, the user enters theselected letter by operating the appropriate key 56, 18 on the keypad 12(which constitutes operating one of the input keys to enter one of twoor more different letters). The input keys and pushbutton are configuredfor operation by dissimilar physical actions. The user operates thepushbutton by pressing it with his or her finger and operates the inputkey by touching it with his or her finger.

The mobile telephone of FIG. 17 a has a keypad 62, hinged to the mainbody 65 through hinge 63, comprising a plurality of input keys 64, eachof which is operable to enter a letter of the alphabet, a character or acommand. Each of the input keys is configured to vibrate in apredetermined and different manner corresponding to one of the lettersof the alphabet, characters or commands when it is tapped by a user. Thevibration causes the emission of a tone having a characteristiccorresponding to the manner of vibration. The characteristic tone isdetected by a microphone 66, either housed within the main body 65 orwithin the keypad 62, which produces a signal that is representative ofthe letter of the alphabet, character or command. The processor thenfinds a match of the signal within the database of input key signalscorresponding to the letter, character or command associated with thetapped key and for instance displays the character on the screen and orexecutes the command. To increase the battery life it is desirable toswitch off both the microphone tone detection and the associatedprocessor signal recognition, when input through the keypad is notrequired. This can be achieved for instance by providing button 67 withthe function of enabling and disabling both the microphone tonedetection and the processor signal recognition as needed. Alternativelythe disabling action can take place automatically after a predeterminedperiod of absence of tone detection. Another method for enabling boththe microphone tone detection and the processor signal recognition is toprovide an accelerometer 68 and use the vibrations associated with thetapping of the keypad to generate a signal in the accelerometer which inturn can be used to enable the tone detection and recognition processes.

FIG. 17 b shows the same mobile phone depicted, in FIG. 17 a with keypad62 in the close position acting as a display screen protector. This sideof Keypad 62 is provided with keys 71 in a conventional twelve keylayout with additional three or four letters for some of the keys formulti-tapping type of input. Keypad 62 is also provided with asee-through area 69 enabling the user to see a portion of the screenunderneath which for instance could display the details of an incomingcall or message.

A disadvantage of using an acoustic sensor such as a microphone may bethat another party can eavesdrop on the user as he enters data. Toaddress this problem, the input key or keys can be configured (eitherduring manufacture or by the user during an initialization procedure) sothat there is an unpredictable correlation between the tones emittedwhen an input key is struck and the characters the input keys represent.One simple way of implementing this capability would be to manufacturethe devices with blank keys and provide the user with a set of stickylabels, each label identifying different characters, thereby allowingthe user to determine which key represents which character. The devicecould then be programmed by the user during an initialization procedureto identify each key appropriately.

It will be appreciated that the mobile telephone of FIGS. 17 a and 17 bmay be used in combination with any of the previous embodiments to givea full range keypad having fewer keys than alphanumeric characters.

The mobile phone of FIGS. 18 a to 18 d is provided with a hingemechanism which allows the keypad 90 to be positioned in three positionrelatively to body 95: closed over the screen with the twelve key layout93 available when the phone is only used to receive and make calls orcompose short messages; open to allow the use of the QWERTY layout 94when more extensive text input is required; and completely foldedunderneath body 95 to reduce the bulk when for instance the user ismostly using the mobile phone as display device for media content suchas pictures, movies and or internet screenshots. FIG. 18 a shows keypad90 hinged to body 95 through hinges 91 and 92 in a closed positionprotecting the screen and making available for input the twelve keylayout 93. FIG. 18 b shows keypad 90 in an open position allowing theuse of the QWERTY layout 94 on the opposite face of twelve key layout93, after having rotated around hinge mechanism 91 relatively to hinge92 which remains in a fixed position relatively to body 95. FIG. 18 cshows keypad 90 in a position where hinge 91 is fully rotated relativelyto hinge 92 which in turn is partially rotated relatively to body 95.FIG. 18 d shows keypad 90 out of the way with the twelve key layout 93facing the underside of body 95 as hinge 91 is fully rotated relatively,to hinge 92 and hinge 92 is fully rotated relatively to body 95 toprovide a full circle rotation and translation of keypad 90 relativelyto body 95.

In the mobile phone of FIG. 19 a, as an example, four different areas80, 81, 82 and 83 on the four corners of body 85, when struck by a user,produce either inherently, due to differences in the internal layout ofthe mobile phone, or by design, due to implementation of design featuressuch as for instance a varying thickness casework, different tones andor different vibrations which can be detected by sensor 86 andsubsequently recognized by the processor as representative of aparticular command in accordance to factory or user customizationsettings. For instance in a web browsing application areas 80, 81, 82and 83, when struck by the user, might be set or customised to executethe “Page up”, “Page down”, “Zoom-in” and “Zoom-out” commandsrespectively. Or alternatively, for example, one single tap of area 80might execute the “Page up” command and two taps in quick succession ofthe same area 80 might execute the “Page down” command thus freeing forinstance corner 81 to execute the, “Move left” command with a single tapand the “Move right” command with a double tap. The function of theinput area can be either displayed on the screen in the vicinity of thearea itself (also known as “Soft Key” because the function of the keymay vary depending on the application) or marked on the casework. Forinstance the function of input area 82 is shown as an OFF function bylabel 86 on the screen whereas the function of input area 83 is markedpermanently by label 87.

Alternatively different areas on the screen 88 such as area 89, whenstruck by the user, produce either inherently or by design, differenttones and or different vibrations which can be detected by sensor 86 andsubsequently recognized by the processor as representative of aparticular command in accordance to factory or user customizationsettings.

In the mobile phone of FIG. 19 b the feature of concurrent tapping withtwo or more fingers on screen 88 is shown where for instance the user ina web browsing application can zoom in by tapping with the thumb in area90 and the index finger in area 91, the combined tone detected by thesensor and subsequently recognized by the processor as representative ofthat particular area of the screen requiring enlargement. Also shown onthe screen the leader feature allowing the user for instance to selecthyperlinks not in the immediate vicinity of a input area 83 thanks to aleader 92 displayed on the screen by the mobile phone handset userinterface, the user being able for instance to cycle through the linksby single tapping on input area 83 and selecting the appropriate link bydouble tapping on the same area.

FIG. 20 shows a mobile phone having a keypad comprising a plurality ofinput keys 34, each of which vibrates to produce a tone when struck bythe user, first and second microphones 30, 32 which sense when one ofthe input keys has been struck, and a processor (not shown). The inputkeys are positioned so as to form a single line of keys, and themicrophones are positioned at either end of this line of keys. Each ofthe input keys represents a different character to be entered by theuser. When one of the input keys is struck by the user, the emitted toneis received by the first and second microphones. By comparing the timedelay between the first microphone 30 receiving the tone and the secondmicrophone 32 receiving the tone, e.g. by means of a timer, theprocessor identifies which of the plurality of input keys has beenstruck.

It is to be appreciated that the mobile telephone, method and otherfeatures described with reference to the embodiments discussed above canbe combined in other embodiments of the present invention.

In the handheld device of FIG. 21, as an example, strips for detectingcontinuous finger, stylus or other implement sliding movement gestures101 and 102 are located next to the display area 100. The functionperformed by these strips can be identified either with markings on thecasework 103 and 104 or with relevant tags displayed on the screen 105,106. The handheld device is also provided with pad 107 for detectingcontinuous finger, stylus or other implement sliding movement gesturesalong any direction and moving accordingly the pointer on screen 100 orscrolling the screen content along any direction.

As will be appreciated by the reader the above embodiments havedescribed a general method whereby the location of a tap or strike on ahandheld device can be detected by the detection and processing of thevibration caused by that tap or strike. For example, a conventionalhandheld device may be provided to which modified software or processingcapability can be added. When a user taps or strikes the handheld devicethe processing capability detects the vibrations caused by that tap orstrike (for example using the existing microphone) and determines thelocation of the tap or strike. Certain functions can then be implementeddependent on the determined location. The system may be calibrated fordifferent types of tap or strike by requesting the user to tap thehandheld device in certain locations.

The improved processing capability may be provided with the device ormay be provided as an upgrade or addition at a later date. Suchprovision allows the addition of touch-screen style functionality tohandheld devices for with a minimum extra cost.

The handheld device may be configured to detect taps or strikes anywhereon the device or only in limited locations. The possible locations maydepend on the type and design of the handheld device, or on theprocessing capability of the device.

The detection and processing of taps or strikes may be performedaccording to conventional signal processing techniques tailored to theparticular environment in which they are utilized.

The existing microphone in the handheld device may not be particularlysuitable for this application and so further or alternative sensors maybe provided to detect the taps or strikes.

The locations which may be struck by the user may be indicated on thebody of the device, or may not be and may be selected by the user duringconfiguration. Those locations may not be restricted to the front of thedevice but may be anywhere on the device.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual featuredescribed herein and any combination of two or more such features, tothe extent that such features or combinations are capable of beingcarried out based on the present specification as a whole in the lightof the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art,irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solveany problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope ofthe claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the presentinvention may consist of any such individual feature or combination offeatures. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to aperson skilled in the art that various modifications may be made withinthe scope of the invention.

Any range or device value given herein may be extended or alteredwithout losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilledperson.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described abovemay relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. Theembodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the statedproblems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits andadvantages.

Any reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items. Theterm ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks orelements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not compriseand exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additionalblocks or elements.

The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in anysuitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally,individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the subject matter describedherein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combinedwith aspects of any of the other examples described to form furtherexamples without losing the effect sought.

It will be understood that the above description of preferredembodiments is given by way of example only and that variousmodifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although variousembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of thisinvention. The term handheld device is used herein to refer to anydevice with processing capability such that it can execute instructions.Those skilled in the art will realize that such processing capabilitiesare incorporated into many different devices and therefore the termhandheld device includes mobile telephones, personal digital assistantsand many other devices.

The terms ‘tap’ and ‘strike’ are not intended to convey any particularattributes of the action described by those words, but are used in thegeneral sense of making contact with the device. Furthermore, thetapping or striking may be performed using a finger, hand, or any otheritem suitable for making contact with a device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising aprocessing system; a sensor for detecting vibrations caused by a userstriking the device and outputting a signal indicative of a parameter ofthose vibrations; wherein the processing system is configured to analysethe signal output from the sensor and detect a location of the strike,wherein the detected location of the strike is utilised by the device toselect a function to perform; wherein the device is a mobile phonehandset comprising at least one keypad and one display screen; whereinthe sensor is a microphone provided primarily to detect sound from auser speaking; wherein the signal indicative of a parameter of thevibrations is a signal describing the pattern of vibrations; wherein oneor more input keys or areas are located on the display screen, the edgesof the handset, the keypad, the keypad buttons or other surfaces of theapparatus, operable by a user to enter a character or command; andwherein each input area produces a unique acoustic signature when struckby the user characteristic of said input area due to an asymmetricinternal layout of the handset internal components or to variation indesign features of the input areas, wherein said mobile phone isconfigured to use said microphone for picking up the acoustic signatureof an input area struck by the user; and wherein said processing systemis configured to: process said unique acoustic signature to detect saidlocation of said strike using a stochastic process model defined bystatistical parameter data comprising a set of statistical parametersrepresenting signals from each of a plurality of different locations ofsaid strike on said mobile phone handset; and to: input signal data fromsaid sensor for a single said strike on the surface of said mobilephone; express characteristics of said signal data using said stochasticprocess model defined by said statistical parameter data to determinefor each of said different locations a probability that said single saidstrike is in said location; and determine a probable closest match ofdata from said sensor for said single said strike to a said location todetermine the location of said single said strike; wherein saidprocessing system is able to identify said location of a single saidstrike from said unique acoustic signature due to said asymmetricinternal layout of said handset internal components.
 2. The electronicdevice according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the areastruck by the user utilizes a stochastic process model having differentparameters for different tapping positions and different styles oftapping, where the model uses templates learned from training data fromthe mobile phone handset and the classification of the signal takesplace according to which, if any, of the templates is a closest match.3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein saidclassification is configured to use multi-class matched filtering. 4.The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said process todetect said location of said strike comprises a feature extractionprocess to extract features of said signal and a classification processto classify said features.
 5. The electronic device according to claim1, wherein the determination of location comprises providingcompensation for different striking implements.
 6. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein color coded input areas are provided onthe exterior of the device which enable the quick selection of items. 7.The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the user is able toselect areas or implement commands on a display screen by striking twoor more input areas at the same time.
 8. The electronic device accordingto claim 7, wherein the command is a zooming in command triggered bystriking at the same time with two fingers or implements the oppositecorner of a particular area of the display screen.
 9. The electronicdevice according to claim 1, wherein the user is able to manuallycalibrate or to initiate a semi-automatic calibration procedure of theinput areas in case of reduction of the reliability of the recognitionprocess.
 10. The electronic device according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one predefined input area operable by a user toinput information to the device; and in which the input area is operableto enter one of two or more different characters by striking the area inone of two or more different ways.
 11. The electronic device accordingto claim 1, wherein said processing system is further configured toidentify a sliding or rotating action by said user on said mobile phonehandset.
 12. A method of detecting user input to an electronic device,comprising detecting vibrations caused by a user striking an area of thedevice, determining the area struck by the user from a parameter of thevibrations, and executing a command in response to the detection,wherein the command is selected dependent on the detected location,wherein each input area of a plurality of areas each input area producesa unique acoustic signature when struck by the user characteristic ofsaid input area (80-83, 89) due to an asymmetric internal layout of theelectronic device internal components or to variation in design featuresof the input areas, and wherein the method comprises processing saidunique acoustic signature to detect said location of said strike using astochastic process model defined by statistical parameter datacomprising a set of statistical parameters representing signals fromeach of a plurality of different locations of said strike on said mobilephone handset; wherein said processing comprises: inputting signal datafrom said sensor for a single said strike on the surface of said mobilephone; expressing characteristics of said signal data using saidstochastic process model defined by said statistical parameter data todetermine for each of said different locations a probability that saidsingle said strike is in said location; and determining a probableclosest match of data from said sensor for said single said strike to asaid location to determine the location of said single said strike;wherein said processing is able to identify said location of a singlesaid strike from said unique acoustic signature due to said asymmetricinternal layout of said handset internal components.
 13. The method asclaimed in claim 12, wherein said processing comprises either i) using astochastic process model having different parameters for differenttapping positions and different styles of tapping, where the model isbased on templates learned from training data from the electronic deviceand the classification of the signal takes place according to which, ifany, of the templates is a closest match; or ii) performing a featureextraction process followed by a classification process.
 14. The methodas claimed in claim 12 used for upgrading a mobile phone handset to addtouch-screen functionality using an existing microphone of the mobilephone handset, the method comprising adding processing capability toimplement the method of claim
 12. 15. A non-transitory machine readablestorage medium storing instructions, which when executed by a computingdevice implement the method of claim
 12. 16. An electronic device,comprising a processing system; a sensor for detecting vibrations causedby a user striking the device and outputting a signal indicative of aparameter of those vibrations; wherein the processing system isconfigured to analyse the signal output from the sensor and detect alocation of the strike, wherein the detected location of the strike isutilised by the device to select a function to perform; wherein thedevice is a mobile phone handset comprising at least one keypad and onedisplay screen; wherein the sensor is a microphone provided primarily todetect sound from a user speaking; wherein the signal indicative of aparameter of the vibrations is a signal describing the pattern ofvibrations; wherein one or more input keys or areas are located on thedisplay screen, the edges of the handset, the keypad, the keypad buttonsor other surfaces of the apparatus, operable by a user to enter acharacter or command; and wherein each input area produces a uniqueacoustic signature when struck by the user characteristic of said inputarea due to an asymmetric internal layout of the handset internalcomponents or to variation in design features of the input areas,wherein said mobile phone is configured to use said microphone forpicking up the acoustic signature of an input area struck by the user;wherein said mobile phone handset is configured to process said uniqueacoustic signature to detect said location of said strike; and whereinsaid processing system is configured to: capture training datarepresenting signals from said sensor for a plurality of different saidtraining locations of said strike on said mobile phone handset; processsaid training data to determine statistical parameter data for saiddifferent locations of said strike, said statistical parameter datacomprising a set of statistical parameters derived from signals fromeach of said plurality of said different said locations, wherein saidset of statistical parameters defines a stochastic process model; inputsignal data from said sensor for a single said strike on the surface ofsaid mobile phone; express characteristics of said signal data usingsaid stochastic process model defined by said statistical parameter datato determine for said training locations a probability that said singlesaid strike is in said training location; and determine a probableclosest match of data from said sensor for said single said strike to asaid training location to determine said location of said single saidstrike; wherein said processing system is able to identify said locationof a single said strike from said unique acoustic signature due to saidasymmetric internal layout of said handset internal components.